Syllabus
The course provides insight into basic philosophical topics via reading and discussion of the seminal texts of the Western philosophical tradition. Selected authors discussed include Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Kant and Nietzsche.Course Objectives:
To introduce students to the key figures and historical developments in the field of philosophy.
To foster critical thinking, logical reasoning, and analytical skills.
To explore essential philosophical questions related to ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics. To encourage students to formulate and articulate philosophical ideas and arguments.
To develop effective communication skills, both in writing and oral presentations.
Weekly Schedule:
Week 1 (6th October) – introduction; Plato’s method of dialogues (Euthyphro)
Week 2 (13th October) – Plato, Phaedo 57a-72d
Week 3 (20th October) – Plato, Phaedo 72d-84b
Week 4 (27th October) – no teaching - time for self-study and preparation of written assignment
Week 5 (3rd November) – Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics I, 1-8
Week 6 (10th November) – Descartes, Meditations on the First Philosophy (I+II)
Week 7 (17th November) – no class – public holiday
Week 8 (24th November) – Immanuel Kant, Groundwork on the Metaphysics of Morals (Introduction+Part I), pgs. 3-20
Week 9 (1st December) - Kant, Groundwork on the Metaphysics of Morals, pgs. 21-41.
Week 10 (8th December) Hume: An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding, (sections 2-5.1)
Week 11 (15th December) Nietzsche, On Truth and Lies in a Non-Moral Sense
Week 12 (22 December): no class
Week 13 (5th November): oral examinations
Students are required to read the weekly reading assignments, mandatory literature, write a summary paper on one text (at least) and pass an oral exam.
Mandatory reading: Plato: Apology of Socrates
Further required readings (at least four titles from the following list of primary texts):Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Books I-IIDescartes, Meditations on the First Philosophy (Meditations I-III)Hume: An Enquiry concerning the Human Understanding Kant: Groundwork on the Metaphysics of Morals (section I+II) Nietzsche: On Truth and Lies in a Non-moral SensePlato: Phaedo
Recommended secondary literature:
Kolakowski, Leszek: Why is there something rather than nothing? Questions from great philosophers. Pinguin 2008.
We will have 10 classes this winter semester in which we will be going through some important and variously complicated philosophical texts that selectively cover the basic topics of classical philosophy. To make sure we get it all done, please be prepared for the first class already. For each class, please read the assigned text (usually 10-20 pages), take notes, and bring the text either printed or in e-book form, as we will be working with it in detail.
Annotation
This course serves as an introductory exploration of philosophy, aiming to provide students with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles and themes that have shaped this discipline for centuries. Through readings, lectures and discussions, students will engage with some of the most significant questions in philosophy, including ethics, metaphysics and epistemology.
By the end of the course, students will develop analytical and argumentative skills, enabling them to approach complex issues with a philosophical perspective.